Smart Cookie Fruitcake

Smart Cookie Fruitcake is a delightful reinvention of the traditional holiday fruitcake, offering a fresh and flavorful take on this timeless dessert. Packed with a vibrant assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this fruitcake is bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress. Whether enjoyed as a festive treat during the holiday season or as a special indulgence year-round, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Join us as we explore the world of Smart Cookie Fruitcake and discover how to create this irresistible dessert with a modern twist.

Ingredients

Produce:

• 1/2 cup Dried blueberries
• 1/2 cup Dried cherries
• 1/2 cup Dates, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup Dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup Golden raisins
• 1 Lemon (zest and juice)
• 1 Orange (zest and juice)

Refrigerated:

• 2 Eggs

Baking & Spices:

• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp Ground allspice
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1 tbsp Confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup White sugar

Oils & Vinegars:

• Baking spray

Nuts & Seeds:

• 3/4 cup Unsalted mixed nuts

Drinks:

• 1 cup Orange juice

Dairy:

• 3/4 cup Unsalted butter

Desserts:

• 1/4 cup Crystallized ginger, chopped

Beer, Wine & Liquor:

• 5/8 cup Spiced rum

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing it with baking spray and lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the dried blueberries, dried cherries, chopped dates, chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, zest and juice of the lemon and orange, and chai tea. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground allspice, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and white sugar together until pale and fluffy.
5. Gradually add the cooled fruit mixture (including any remaining liquid) to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined.
6. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, pour it into the fruit mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
7. Add the flour mixture to the fruit mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the mixed nuts and chopped crystallized ginger.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove the fruitcake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, transfer the fruitcake to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, remove the parchment paper and discard. Brush the top of the fruitcake with orange juice and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
12. Serve slices of Smart Cookie Fruitcake and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!

Cook Notes and Variations

• For a richer flavor, soak the dried fruits in the spiced rum overnight before using them in the recipe.
• Customize the nuts in the fruitcake according to your preference. Pecans, almonds, and walnuts all work well.
• Experiment with different spices such as cloves, ginger, or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
• If you prefer a denser fruitcake, pack the batter firmly into the loaf pan before baking.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can adapt this recipe:

• Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour.
• Substitute the white sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
• Omit the dried fruits and use a combination of chopped nuts and unsweetened coconut flakes for a low-carb option.
• Reduce the amount of orange juice and use water or almond milk instead to lower the carb content.

In conclusion, Smart Cookie Fruitcake is a delightful twist on a holiday classic, offering a perfect blend of sweetness, warmth, and spice. With its rich assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, this fruitcake is sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a festive treat or a special indulgence, this recipe offers a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season. So why not embrace the spirit of the holidays and treat yourself to a slice of Smart Cookie Fruitcake today?

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Smart Cookie Fruitcake and experience the joy of baking with a modern twist. With its festive ingredients and mouthwatering taste, this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of holiday bliss!